Selsey

While I was still interning at Toft, the post arrived one afternoon with their shipment of magazines from Pom Pom Quarterly. I unwrapped the parcel eagerly to see Issue 10 in person for the first time. It felt very appropriate to flip through Issue 10 while at Toft, because it was this time last year when I received the Toft alpaca yarn to start my first pattern for Pom Pom Issue 7. This is my second published pattern with Pom Pom and again I feel incredibly lucky to be included in this vibrant collection of autumn accessories and garments. 

This time, I thought I would share some of the inspiration which led to creating this recent piece along with a few of my own photos and drawings. These four images from Pom Pom's autumn mood board originally caught my eye. At first glance, I already had ideas forming of using bright colours against navy. I wanted my piece to be full of colour, floral patterns with elements of embroidery to evoke European folkloric designs. 

My original knitted sample & illustrations that I sent as part of my proposal to Pom Pom. 

Meghan and Lydia responded with a "yes" and Quince & Co supplied the six colours of Chickadee that make up Selsey: slate, cypress, poppy, honey, frost and rosa rugosa. This was my first experience working with Quince & Co's yarn and I was not disappointed. Selsey is a perfect project to allow yourself to play with their wide range of colours offered in Chickadee. 

A few shots of the finishing touches and the scarf. When it's draped across my neck the fringe just barely brushes the ground. Repeats can easily be taken out to create one that is not so long but I do love the safety blanket feeling of this scarf in its entirety. 

Esme the Fox

While I was Toft, I vowed to pick up a crochet hook because finally, there were cute animals to tempt me into learning. I decided to jump right in and start with Esme the Fox. Making each of the separate body parts was easy enough. Once you make one leg the rest is very similar. The only challenging bit was Esme's head. The colourwork is slightly lopsided, but that was due to my own impatience. I wanted to finish her, versus wait to be shown how to properly change colours. However, I still love her, imperfections and all. 

Toft's Fine Alpaca creates a slightly smaller animal compared to those you've seen in Edward's Menagerie. A small size animal is perfect for small hands. However, I did not make Esme for anyone but myself so she's a perfect pocket size to accompany me on my travels throughout England.

Here is my Esme, pictured with the original inspiration. I have to confess that I've ready started a second animal who shall remain a mystery for now. I'm pleased that I have warmed up to crochet yet I still think that my hands simply prefer the motions of knitting. I'm positive that I hold my hook and yarn awkwardly by the looks and comments I get from experienced crocheters. I'm too engrained in my knitting ways to hold the yarn in my left hand. 

I introduced Esme to some of the alpacas who were pretty unimpressed. However, I did get Pippa'a approval and then it was time to say goodbye to the Toft team and the farm. My four weeks flew by and it was an incredible learning experience. I parted ways with Pippa after a few alpaca kisses. Here's one more cute video of Pippa. 

The Toft Alpaca Shop

Welcome to The Toft Alpaca Shop! It's a beautiful and creative space that's only a few years old. Located on the family property in Dunchurch, it was originally converted from an old barn. 

Toft is known for their alpaca yarn, however, they also have a line of British wool yarn, Ulysses and Belgrano. 

You'll also find get gift ideas for those who do not craft, alongside the perfect finishing touches for your handmade project. How could you resist these alpaca fur pom poms?! 

Meet and greet the animals from Edward's Menagerie. You can decide who you would like to crochet first. 

After stocking up on yarn or picking out a new project, you can sit with your knitting at The Cornflower Cafe. Enjoy a cup of tea and a few slices of cake! 

On the Farm

Here are a few shots taken on the farm. This is only a fraction of the two hundred alpacas here at Toft. 

I spend a lot of time near the maternity paddocks. It's hard not to end up with many photos of the baby alpacas, which are called crias. 

Multicoloured crias are a rare sight here. Toft's alpacas are intentionally breed to be one colour to make it easy when it comes to turning the fleece into yarn. This year, they surprisingly ended up with two multicoloured crias. The one laying down is a subtle blend of cream and beige, unlike his friend, who is a shocking contrast of white and dark brown.  

A few of the older crias. 

Since arriving a week and a half ago, there have been four new additions to the herd. This cria was only a few hours old at the time of the photo. 

This is Pippa, a special cria on the farm. Pippa didn't have an easy start in life and never formed a bond with her mother. She needs be bottle fed and has imprinted on humans which makes her quite curious and friendly. If you'd like to see a video of Pippa, click here. 

Edward's Menagerie

This summer I'll be very busy taking on new challenges. I recently arrived in England to take part in a few internships at various knitting companies that I have been admiring from afar. I hope it's an adventure full of fibre, textiles and new learning experiences. My first stop is at Toft Alpaca Shop, located in the picturesque village of Dunchurch. 

My first introduction to Toft was a year ago when I received a package full of delicious alpaca yarn and a fur pompom - I was immediately hooked.  This experience is sentimental, as it was sent by Pom Pom Quarterly to use for my first published pattern in their Issue 7: Winter 2013. Toft and Pom Pom helped bring my vision of Take Heart to life.

Photo Credit: Juju Vail

Since arriving this week it has been a whirlwind of preparation for the book launch of Edward's Menagerie written by Toft Alpaca Shop's owner, Kerry Lord. Kerry's put together a beautiful book of over forty patterns for crochet animals. The animals are in the style of amigurumi and each one is crocheted in the natural shades of British sheep and alpacas. 

When I arrived at Toft, I was a bit embarrassed to say that I do not crochet. In the past I have only used it for finishing details on knitting projects such as, joining squares together and some occasional surface embroidery. I had never been attracted to the way crochet garments appeared; the patterns did not seem to make sense and it felt incredibly awkward in my hands. However, before my first day was over, the girls had me comfortably crocheting and reading patterns. Toft's goal is to make knitting and crocheting accessible to the inexperienced, while still designing patterns for experienced crafters. 

Here's my first attempt, chunky elephant tusks! 

I can't take credit for the heads and ears but Liz, another intern, and I assembled these on the morning of the book launch.

Edward's Menagerie may have won over my feelings about crochet. Each animal is thoughtfully constructed and range in size from tiny to enormous. Plus they're extremely sweet and each has an individual personality! 

It is very tempting to start on an animal while I'm here. I'm smittened with Esme the Fox for obvious reasons. However, she's a more advanced pattern so perhaps I'll start someone else.